An Epic finish!

It was not an easy decision to geld such a beautifully bred horse as Epic Choice but judging by the strength of the three-year-old's maiden victory at Benalla on Tuesday, the operation seems to have done the trick!

Always showing ability but doing a few things wrong during his first couple of campaigns, Epic Choice was gelded prior to this current preparation and at only his second run back proved that he is a horse with a bright future.

Stepping up to 1606m having found 1200m too short first up, the handsome chestnut settled well back for Brad Rawiller who was riding Epic Choice for the first time.

Hooking out wide into the straight as the favourite kicked, Epic Choice ran on strongly - hitting the lead at the 100m before racing away to a soft 2¾ victory.

The latter's Mr Ali Yaseen also bred and raced Epic Choice's close relation Redoute's Choice and enjoyed Blue Diamond success this year with that champion stallion's granddaughter Miracles Of Life.

Epic Choice is the third foal produced by the unraced Giant's Causeway mare Unspoken Choice, a half sister to Redoute's Choice - as well as to fellow Group One winners Manhattan Rain and Platinum Scissors.

This is the world famous Best In Show family, one that has also produced the big race winners Xaar, Spinning World, Umatilla, Hurricane Sky, Chief Contender, Al Maher, Gathering, He's No Pie Eater, Chimes Of Freedom, Good Journey, Aldebaran, Try My Best, El Gran Senor and Denon.

Paul Moroney always thought Epic Choice would improve as he matured.

"As a yearling he was a most athletic colt with plenty of scope who promised then to become a stayer given time," he said.

"And it looks as though he's playing to his type and should now progress into a top flight stayer."

[20 Mar 13]

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